The Spainiard featured heavily for Barca last season but faces added competition this term and is considering his options with a number of clubs interested in securing a deal, according to reports in Spain.

Roberto, who has been at Barcelona for over ten years, has a £36million release clause written into his current contract and Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be considering moves to bring him to England.

But, speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Valverde has reiterated his desire to keep hold of the 25-year-old, who he described as an ‘important player’.

The Spain international has been at Barcelona since 2006 (Picture: Getty)

Ernesto Valverde wants 25-year-old Roberto to stay (Picture: Getty)

‘Of course, I am absolutely counting on him [this season]’, he said.

‘In some games he will be a major player and in some games no, but he remains an important player.’

Jose Mourinho has completed deals for Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof this summer but remains in the market for a fourth summer signing.

Jose Mourinho is still hoping to sign a fourth player before the window closes (Picture: Getty)